By Sean Ryan - 21 August, 2015
Bishops Denis Nulty at National Ploughing Championships
Visitors to the National Ploughing Championship will have a new challenge this year – to select their favourite poem about farming or rural life.
The idea of finding the most popular poem on rural life was proposed by the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin.
The National Ploughing Championships will be held from 22-24 September in Ratheniska in Co Laois, which is in Bishop Denis Nulty’s diocese.
Dr Nulty, who comes from a farming background in Co Meath, has said he enjoys reading poetry.
Speaking about the competition, the Bishop said, “Poetry is a beautiful way of expressing emotions and ideas. Rhythm and imagery can capture the magic and hardship of farming really well. I believe we are going to see many wonderful entries to depict the lives of people who live close to the soil.”
He added, “Love of agriculture and the land has been a favourite theme for poets down the ages. In recent times Patrick Kavanagh and Seamus Heaney, for example, have written passionately about farming.”
People can submit their suggestions to ‘Poem for Ploughing’, Faith Development Services, College Street, Carlow or email them to poemfortheploughing@kandle.ie on or before Wednesday 9 September.
The poem should be the work of an established or international poet.
The top five/six poems nominated will be put on display in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin tent at the Ploughing Championships and visitors will have the chance to vote for their favourite.
The people’s choice of ‘Poem for the Ploughing’ will be announced at 2.30pm on the final day of the Ploughing Championships.
Everyone who submits a poem will be entered into a draw for €250 worth of product from BLF Nutrition Ltd.
A draw for €250 worth of product from BLF Nutrition will also be held for those who nominate the winning poem.
